Drs. Ward and Leeds actively engage in research relevant to their practice, giving them the opportunity to evaluate their practice objectively and contribute to advancements in their discipline. This research focus allows them to stay on top of the most recent data and developments and continuously provide their patients with the most up to date information. By continuing to conduct research in their specialties, Drs. Ward and Leeds apply their results and continuing knowledge to improve their patients’ outcomes and overall well-being.
Below you can find some of Drs. Ward and Leeds recent publications in the following areas:
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Hiatal Hernia and Paraesophageal Hernia Repair
Dr. Leeds and Ward are both fellowship trained in these surgeries. Some of the most advanced and innovative procedures have been done with the Center for Advanced Surgery. Improvements in the care of patients with these issues have studied extensively in their practice to optimize outcomes above the standard general surgeon.
1. Post-operative protocol following hiatal hernia repair surgery at Baylor Univeristy Medical Center decreases complications and length of hospital stay.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36481822/
2. Many procedures have attempted to improve the symptoms from GERD, but this study was done to show that not all procedures work the same. Fundoplications and LINX seem to be the best.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33347088/
3. Having family history of GERD doesn't seem to predict that you will have it.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33879994/
4. The symptoms you feel for GERD including heartburn or regurgitation, don't predict how much damage has been done. This is why Dr. Leeds and Ward recommend evaluation with endoscopy to see the true damage.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35169881/
5. A new absorbable mesh is used for hiatal hernia and paraesophageal hernia repair with no complications and low recurrence rate.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38082013/
6. Sleeve gastrectomy is a very common procedure for weight loss, but has shown to give patients significant GERD symptoms such as heartburn. The Center for Advanced surgery has done a study to determine the best way to deal with this.
In press.
Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation or LINX
The use of magnetic sphincter augmentation, or LINX, has been an innovative way to preserve the patient's anatomy and provide some of the same protection against heartburn, regurgitation, indigestion, and cough/hoarseness. Dr. Leeds and Ward have been pioneers wtih the usage of the device and performed some of the largest implantation numbers in the USA. Their expertise is extensive in clinical experience as well as research.
1. Magnetic sphincter augementation and LINX is an effective treatment for cough, hoarseness and upper respiratory symptoms related to gastroesophageal reflux disease. This is also called LPR.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31792691/
2. Some patients can fail the LINX implantation and need it removed, but appropriate preoperative workup can sometimes predict patients that will struggle. A globally adopted evaluation.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32462333/
3. Depending on which surgeon does your LINX implantation may cause different outcomes. Not all surgeons do it the same. This has helped leaders in the field to help standardize implantation.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32769741/
4. Dr. Leeds and Ward had a patient that was cured of laryngeal cancer by stopping their GERD with a LINX device.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33456181/
5. A statistical analysis was done to help predict whether a LINX device is right for you.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38754810/
Achalasia
Dr. Leeds and Ward have provided the DFW Metroplex with the first Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) for achalasia. It was the first done in North Texas and currently have the highest volume of patients managed with POEM. There is still a role for the Heller myotomy, so that procedure is also offered.
1. The first POEM procedures done in North Texas compared to the standard laparoscopic Heller myotomy.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28966450/
2. Faster recovery and return to work following Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) compared to laparoscopic Heller myotomy.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27858209/
3. The need for additional interventions following Per Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) or Heller Myotomy has been determined at the Center for Advanced Surgery.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36656408/
4. It appears the obesity is a predictor of patients having GERD after POEM procedure.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32890250/
5. Studies performed at Baylor University Medical Center possibly cracking the beginning stages of what causes achalasia.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33280206/
6. GERD has been a known issue following POEM or Heller myotomy and the comparison long term seems to be about equal with the same resolution of symptoms.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33153391/
Zenker's Diverticulum
1. Zenker's diverticulum can be treated with incisionless surgery using Z POEM technique.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32313469/
2. Multicenter trial proves Z POEM is ideal treatment for Zenker's diverticulum with excellent results and low morbidity.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37391268/
3. Modern approaches to treat Zenker's diverticulum are offered at the Center for Advanced Surgery with Drs. Ward and Leeds.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37278290/
Robotic Surgery
One of the biggest innovations in surgery is use of a surgical robot. This is a tool in surgery that is controlled completely by the surgeon. However, it does allow for some improved dexterity in the operating room. This has been tested against the traditional laparoscopic approach which has been used for decades. It appears that it offers no benefit in the hands of experienced surgeons like Dr. Leeds and Ward. National studies have shown that robotic surgery as worse outcomes when used for surgery for GERD, but may have a slight benefit when used for surgery for achalasia.
1. Data when robotic surgery started showed that there were more complications using a robot for hiatal hernia and GERD surgery than traditional laparoscopic surgery.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33852128/
2. Robotic surgery likely has benefits when used for a Heller myotomy over the traditional laparoscopic approach.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35297806/
Vertical banded gastroplasty
This outdated surgery that once was used for obesity has had lasting effects on patients. Some of these effects have been negative and management of patients that had these surgeries is becoming more and more of an issue. Dr. Leeds and Ward have a published algorithm to manage these patients with some innovative ways.
1. The first procedures ever done for an incisionless removal of the VBG band were done with the Center for Advanced Surgery.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30585106/
2. Given the vast experience with this procedure, an algorithm has been developed by Dr. Leeds and Ward to manage these patients with the least amount of surgery possible.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36604375/
Esophageal and Gastric Cancer
1. Early gastric cancer can be resected through the mouth using an endoscopic submucosal dissection technique.